The Fraternity of the Hidden Light traces its lineage to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The Fraternity website tells the story of the rise of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn but also of a new Order that was founded by former members of the Thoth-Hermes temple of the Alpha et Omega, in New York. Though this description does not give names, the events of which it speaks point to and suggest Paul Foster Case's founding of the School of Ageless Wisdom, later called the Builders of the Adytum or B.O.T.A. The Fraternity of the Hidden Light was founded in the early 1980s, by Dr. Paul Clark, who trained with B.O.T.A.The Fraternity has lodges on all continents.
Purpose
According to its website, the Fraternity of the Hidden Light exists for a three-fold purpose: “ To act as a modern day repository of the Ancient Wisdom teachings of the Tarot, Qabalah, Alchemy, Astrology and related Arcane sciences; To train its members for the service to humanity, by providing a seeding ground for their growth and development through group and individual applications of the Wisdom teachings; To promulgate the Ancient Wisdom teachings in an effort to elevate the consciousness of humanity.” In the Statement of Purpose, the Fraternity emphasizes the importance of service and states that the practices of the Fraternity are for the development of "Wisdom, Power and Love".
Structure
The Fraternity of the Hidden Light is structured into several levels. There is first the "Probationary" level, in which training in general esoteric knowledge and basic skills, such as meditation, is given. The others are initiatory levels. The first or "outer" order focuses on the "growth of Wisdom, Love and Power" and the development "of their being, resulting in balance and harmony. The second or "inner" order consists of those who have both achieved this inner harmony but have also received "illumination," i.e. the higher Self is "awakened and in control of their lives." The third order includes the "Great Adepts and Masters" from the throughout ages who guide the Fraternity.
Influences
Paul Foster Case's work is a major influence on the Fraternity of the Hidden Light. Indeed, the Fraternity has published the original lessons that Case wrote for the School of Ageless Wisdom, the organization that later became B.O.T.A. The Steward of the Fraternity has recently published a book entitled Paul Foster Case. His Life and Works. Ann Davies, who took over the leadership of BOTA after the death of Case, is also an important influence on the Fraternity. Paul Clark is also an acknowledged authority on the thought of Dion Fortune who also influences the Fraternity. The emphasis on the triad Wisdom, Power and Love in the Statement of Purpose echoes the goals of the esoteric orders according to Dion Fortune in Esoteric Orders and their Work, Chapter 3.
Publications
The Fraternity of the Hidden Light also publishes occult books. Among the books published:
Case, Paul F.. Occult Fundamentals and Spiritual Unfoldment. Vol. 1: The Early Writings. : Fraternity of the Hidden Light;
Case, Paul F.. Esoteric Secrets of Meditation and Magic. Vol. 2: The Early Writings. : Fraternity of the Hidden Light
Clark, P. Paul Foster Case. His Life and Works. Covina CA: Fraternity of the Hidden Light
